BENNINGTON — The third annual Shires of Vermont Marathon, a classic point-to-point 26.2 mile road race connecting the towns of Bennington and Manchester, will be held May 19. Registration is now open.

The race is organized by the Batten Kill Valley Runners to benefit community mental health and developmental services. Organizers expect between 400 and 600 runners from about 30 different states and foreign countries this year.

The course will be the same as it was in 2012, starting at the Bennington Center for the Arts and finishing at Hildene Meadows in Manchester. There will be several new twists and surprises for runners along the way, including an earlier start time at 8 a.m.

Anyone interested in helping with the marathon may join the organizing committee which meets monthly. Race director Robert Pini said some key spots are open.

“Anyone who wants to know the inside scoop on large event management should get involved,” he said.

For information on registering, volunteering or sponsoring the race, contact Pini by email at info@ShiresofVermontMarathon.com or by phone at 442-5491, ext. 281.

Race applications and online registration are available at www.shiresofvermontmarathon.com.